Building AI Agents for Complex Tasks is an intermediate-level course designed to equip learners with the skills to design, build, and evaluate intelligent agents that operate autonomously across dynamic, multi-step environments. Moving beyond simple chatbot flows, this course introduces learners to agent architectures that perceive context, make decisions, integrate tools, and recover from failure.
Building AI Agents for Complex Tasks
Enjoy unlimited growth with a year of Coursera Plus for $199 (regularly $399). Save now.
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level
Recommended experience
3 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Recently updated!
December 2025
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
There are 3 modules in this course
This foundational lesson introduces what AI agents are and how they differ from traditional software. Learners will explore agent-environment interactions, the concept of perception, and how various types of agents—reactive, deliberative, and hybrid—handle decision-making. Through real-world examples like smart assistants and warehouse robots, learners will classify agent types and determine where each model excels or breaks down.
What's included
4 videos1 reading1 assignment
This lesson moves from theory to implementation. Learners will construct intelligent agents that integrate inputs (perception), structured reasoning (decision loops), and output (action). They'll explore core modules such as memory, planning chains, and tool execution in LangChain and Rasa. Real-world examples like Alexa’s task-based updates and LangChain agents with tools will help frame the technical walkthroughs.
What's included
3 videos1 reading2 assignments
In the final lesson, learners will focus on evaluating how agents perform in realistic, changing environments. They'll explore testing strategies, interpret edge-case behaviors, and fine-tune agents using logs, performance feedback, and outcome tracking. Examples such as AlphaCode’s reasoning iterations and BabyAGI’s task queue refinement will help frame the concepts. This lesson culminates in the Capstone project, where learners will apply everything they've learned to design and deliver an intelligent, goal-driven agent.
What's included
4 videos1 reading4 assignments
Instructor
Offered by
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
More questions
Financial aid available,
¹ Some assignments in this course are AI-graded. For these assignments, your data will be used in accordance with Coursera's Privacy Notice.